Former ONE World Title challenger Lara Fernandez is primed and ready to give a rude welcome to recent six-figure ONE contract winner “The Queen” Phetjeeja. This Friday, at ONE Fight Night 12: Superlek vs. Khalilov on Prime Video, the two atomweight Muay Thai stars will go toe-to-toe live in U.S. primetime at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

That much-anticipated showdown will be Fernandez’s first appearance since her December 2022 victory over highly regarded Thai sensation Dangkongfah Banchamek. She’ll now battle another dangerous Thai favorite, this time in enemy territory.

Lara Fernandez is cautious of Phetjeeja’s prowess but also had a strategy

In an interview with ONE Championship, Fernandez said that she had felt the benefits of an uptick in her training and admitted that she’ll need to be wary of her foe’s prodigious punching power, “I feel pretty good. I’ve been training a lot. I’m always training as if I am fighting. I’ve focused on gaining strength, and I really do feel stronger.” 

“I know that Phetjeeja is strong, that she has good hands, and that she’s won her last few fights by knockout via punches. But that’s it. I don’t know much else. I think that’s enough to know.” 

Indeed, the Thai comes into the fight following back-to-back first-round knockouts. And while that might fill her with confidence, the Spaniard says that earning quick finishes has a downside, as well.

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According to Fernandez, Phetjeeja won’t be prepared for the ultra-aggressive, all-action pace she brings to the bout – and she expects to press her conditioning advantage the longer the fight lasts.

Lara Fernandez even had a prediction for her next bout

“I think my resistance will be in my favor because she’s won her last few fights quickly, but I won’t give in to her easily. I will beat her throughout three rounds. I don’t think she’ll last three rounds with the pace I bring into the fight.”

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Ultimately, Fernandez sees herself playing the part of spoiler against the surging Thai, whether she does it with a knockout or not. “She’s very strong, so I don’t know if it’ll be by knockout, but there’s a possibility of a knockout. I don’t think she’ll keep up with my pace. I think I can win in the second or third round.”